Abstract

The debate over intellectual property policies and their effects is highly contested. Finding the right balance between protecting the interests of producers and ensuring access to knowledge-based products (particularly learning materials) is of particular concern to developing countries. Africa is a net importer of intellectual property covered by copyright rules. The African Comparative Copyright Review (ACCR) believes that a stringent copyright climate could limit access to knowledge goods and thereby hinder the emergence of local innovation and learning. This project will allow the ACCR to bring together a research team from five African countries (Egypt, Ghana, Sénégal, South Africa, Uganda). The team will examine the existing legal framework in each country and determine whether any limitations or exceptions allowed by international copyright treaties could be incorporated within national legislation to improve access to copyrighted materials. They will also provide policymakers and advocates with evidence in support of a copyright environment that fosters access to knowledge for use in international negotiations.

Recipient Institution(s)